String of arrests follow drug investigation

Four men and one woman have been charged and police have seized cash and drugs as part of a investigation into an alleged large-scale drug supply syndicate operating in the central west.

The arrests follow a 16-month-long investigation by Strike Force Frederica, established by detectives from the Central West Police District in May 2017.

Following extensive inquiries, police arrested a 34-year-old woman at a home on Spring Street, Orange, on Thursday (23 August 2018).

She was taken to Orange Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug – indictable quantity and two counts of supply prohibited drug – small quantity.

This followed the arrest of a 61-year-old man on Wednesday morning after a vehicle stop on Bletchington Street.

During a search of the vehicle, police located and seized methylamphetamine, a mobile phone and cash.

The 61-year-old man has been charged with six offences including four count of take part in supply prohibited drug and two counts of possess prohibited drug.

A search warrant was also executed at a home on Spring Street, during which police found drugs, ammunition and a sword.

On Tuesday (21 August 2018), a 22-year-old man was arrested at Orange Police Station and charged with three counts of supply prohibited drug – small quantity.

Last Friday (Friday 17 August 2018), a 36-year-old man was arrested at a home on Antonia Crescent, Cranebrook.

He was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug – small quantity and supply prohibited drug.

Last Thursday (16 August 2018), police arrested a 37-year-old man at Silverwater. He was charged with 17 drug supply offences, including 12 counts of supplying a prohibited drug – indictable quantity. He was also charged with supplying a commercial quantity of prohibited drugs.

He appeared at Parramatta Local Court on Friday 17 August 2018, where he was bail refused to reappear at Katoomba Local Court on 22 October 2018.

The woman and 61-year-old man appeared at Orange Local Court on Thursday (23 August 2018) where both were refused bail again to reappear at the same court next Monday (27 August 2018).

The 22-year-old man was granted conditional bail to appear at Orange Local Court next Monday (27 August 2018).

The 36-year-old man was granted conditional bail to appear at Orange Local Court on 24 September 2018.